POLL: 2013 "Kilt Census"

**TheOfficialBren** · 17th February 13, 02:09 AM

Most of these responses just confirm my previous supposition---that INTENT is the single most significant qualifier.

One who dons a UK or a Skilt probably does NOT intend to wear the kilt in a traditional manner. Period. One who dons the tartan kilt very likely intends to convey the message that they are mindful of the traditions and heritage of Scotland. Period. Although one may wear either kilt with any combination of shirt and footwear, it is quite likely that the tartan/tweed/traditional-styled kiltie will wear their kilt in a certain way that makes no bones about the direction in which they are aiming.

Leaving aside the differences that WE perceive, the general public, when presented with, for example, a Utilikilt and, say for example, a USA Kilt, will likely refer to the USA Kilt as a kilt and the Utilikilt as a man-skirt. I know that I did before I learned anything about kilts. Intention and appearance are 9/10 of the whole thing. The pornography illustration was perfect...and it just re-enforces my supposition.

**Nighthawk** · 17th February 13, 02:33 AM

"Modern Kilts (MUGs) + Traditional Kilts, Traditional and Contemporary Ways"

Well, I'm a little out of the norm! Gee... That's new for me.

**tundramanq** · 17th February 13, 06:07 AM

You are in good company here Nighthawk. The smart goats way outnumber the dumb conformists sheep on this forum. We need the sheep - for the wool.

Goats can be trained.

**llyd** · 17th February 13, 07:30 AM

I wear my MIRT with my BRO...problem is, My Moobs are kinda small..so if I put my BRO on bassackwards it fits better...maybe I can get Mimplants....

**thecompaqguy** · 17th February 13, 07:48 AM

I don't know if a denim kilt is classed as an MUG... but if so, I wear that in a contemporary way with a sweater. It's cut like a traditional kilt but just different material... I have nothing like what Kanye West would class as a 'kilt'... though now he's distancing himself from those 'garments'...

I have two denim kilts, one light material, one dark, and the rest are traditional tartans

**Jock Scot** · 17th February 13, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by thecompaqguy

I don't know if a denim kilt is classed as an MUG... but if so, I wear that in a contemporary way with a sweater. It's cut like a traditional kilt but just different material... I have nothing like what Kanye West would class as a 'kilt'... though now he's distancing himself from those 'garments'...

I have two denim kilts, one light material, one dark, and the rest are traditional tartans

I hope you don't mind me using your post as an example. Wearing a kilt with a sweater(pullover) is THCD too! OK I quite accept in your case that you are wearing a denim kilt, but I hope people can see my point.

**Java** · 17th February 13, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

Leaving aside the differences that WE perceive, the general public, when presented with, for example, a Utilikilt and, say for example, a USA Kilt, will likely refer to the USA Kilt as a kilt and the Utilikilt as a man-skirt.

That's another part of the difficulty. What people think in LA (where I was born and raised) is different than what people think here in the Georgia mountains. Amoung the general public here, there are those who are vaguely aware of what a kilt is - they will say "nice kilt" whether I'm in a traditional kilt or an Amerikilt. Then there are the majority who are, well, simple mountain folk who will snicker and say "nice skirt" regardless of how formally and traditionally I'm dressed.

**McElmurry** · 17th February 13, 12:02 PM

I don't understand the purpose of grouping kilts. Referring to kilts by make and model is sufficient for most communication. Groupings were created for this poll and a poll-specific definition was provided but outside of this poll I really don't see the need for vague group definitions.

**CMcG** · 17th February 13, 10:09 PM

I finally had a chance to go back and read "Too many styles of kilts to choose from," written by Steve Ashton and found in the Member Written Articles sub-forum:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-choose-43530/

He lays out 6 styles of kilts according to their design, the way they are manufactured, and the material they use. It seems to me that the 'casual' and 'pub' styles could really make one category, so that gives us:
- traditional
- historical
- casual/pub
- contemporary
- MUG

These classifications are fairly clearly laid out for the forum and don't really need to be redefined. Where their usefulness breaks down is in addressing one of the main aspects of my poll questions, which is how a kilt appears when it is worn. It is fine for a bunch of kilt enthusiasts to discuss the minutiae of fabric type, sewing method, or internal construction, but if someone is wearing the kilt, then style cannot be ignored.

The way I see it, most casual/pub or contemporary kilts can all be worn as part of THCD, as can some types of historical kilts, such as a 4 yard box pleat. Yes, a 'tank' is the gold standard for THCD, but it isn't the only option in today's day and age. On the other hand, any of these kilts could also be worn in a nontraditional way.

MUGs just don't work as THCD. Nor do casual/pub or contemporary kilts that are made from decidedly nontraditional looking materials. These kinds of kilts just look too modern or 'newfangled' to be THCD.

In terms of style then, we have a slightly different set of categories than we do for kilt construction:
- historical
- THCD
- nontraditional

I think of this as more of a sliding scale with many shades and possible overlap. Some people wear THCD with a historical flair. Other people are nontraditional, but haven't completely broken away from THCD. Then there are guys who epitomize just one style, like

the Duke of Rothesay for THCD

or Steve Villegas for nontraditional

Having thought more about it, maybe my poll questions weren't so bad after all, though I see now just how hard (impossible?) it would be to capture every nuance within the limits of the forum's polling functions...

**Steve Ashton** · 17th February 13, 11:25 PM

The six distinctions I make, based on how a kilt is constructed, are not meant for us here among the Kilted congnizati. They are intended for the new members. They are intended to help a newbie when buying their first kilt so they can understand and fit the type of kilt to the activity they plan to engage in.

The distinction between a casual and a pub is very real. Case in point - a USA Kilt Semi-dress model v.s. an acrylic kilt made in Pakistan. One can be dressed up quite well and the other not so well.
The Semi-trad is a casual kilt and the Gold Bros. product a pub style kilt. There really is a world of difference between the two.

As far as style goes the article does not deal with styles of dress. It is meant to guide those looking for a kilt and help them to choose the kilt type to the style they wish to achieve. Their style is their personal preference.

The three forum sections that deal with style will stay the way they currently are. Historical, Traditional and Contemporary. These are the style forum sections. When they were introduced they were discussed at length among the members and these are what the member said they wanted.